The government of Canada and the province of Ontario reached an agreement that makes C$2.97 billion (US$2.3 billion) in combined funding available for infrastructure improvements in the province.
The funding is being provided through a new federal infrastructure program, the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund, where the federal government provides up to 50% of the funding needed for projects supported under the agreement. Canada will provide Ontario with C$1.486 billion (US$1.151 billion) under the Fund, which is part of the first phase of Investing in Canada, the government of Canada's C$120 billion (US$92.6 billion) plan to support public infrastructure across the country over the next 10 years.
The agreement will fund a wide swath of projects across Ontario, and the agreement has made funding retroactive to April 1, 2016, allowing projects to proceed without delay to ensure a productive construction season. Rail projects that have been approved for funding include new vehicle purchases, maintenance programs, new line construction and signaling systems upgrades. Highlights of some of the rail projects include:
C$45 million (US$34.8 million) in Ottawa for early works and preliminary engineering for LRT State 2.
C$27.7 million (US$21.5 million) for planning and design of Metrolinx's Relief Line in Toronto.
C$25 million (US$19.3 million) for the early works associated with Metrolinx's 11-kilometer (6.8-mile) Finch West light rail line.
C$23 million (US$17.8 million) for the Toronto Transit Commission's surface track replacement program.
C$22.9 million (US$17.7 million) in the Greater and Hamilton Area for enterprise asset management for Metrolinx.
The two parties said the agreement will reduce commute times and make public transit more efficient and inclusive by renewing and expanding transit systems, upgrading transit vehicles, making timely repairs to subway tracks, initiating new public transit express routes and enhancing accessibility that will help improve the quality of life for Ontarians.
"I am delighted Ontario has reached an agreement with the federal government on the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. This partnership between Ontario, the federal government and our municipalities builds on the historic infrastructure investments Ontario is already making as part of our economic plan for jobs and growth. The projects supported through this new agreement will make people's everyday transit experiences better and support the growth of our low-carbon economy for decades," said Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne.
"These investments will provide Ontarians with improved public transit systems that will get them to work on time, and back home quickly and safely. They will also help generate new jobs, grow the middle class, promote a healthier environment and lay a solid foundation for the sustainable economy of the future," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.